- Joined
- Mar 23, 2014
If there is a hypothetical limited amount of money, more kids can benefit from skating part-time/as a hobby than funding fewer kids to train full-time.
State of U.S. Ladies' skating 2016-17
- Thread starter R.D.
- Start date
If there is a hypothetical limited amount of money, more kids can benefit from skating part-time/as a hobby than funding fewer kids to train full-time.
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2013
I'm waiting to watch on NBC, too. I think you're right about Mirai, but does anyone know if there's something in the rules that prevents the USFSA from changing a World team without an injury or illness? If we though the Olympic selection created a messy fallout, I can't even begin to imagine what something like this would cause. At least in the eyes of people who are not really familiar with ins and outs of skating.
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2014
This is a good question. What I worry about, especially with Karen's placement, is the pressure it puts on Ashley to defend her Silver Medal. I remember Canada's Jennifer Robinson being grilled by reporters who kept reminding her that if she didn't skate well, Canada would lose a spot for Worlds and possibly the Olympics. Maria Butyrskaya went through the exact same thing. When she failed to make the free skate in 93' they dumped her from the team even though she was the National Champion. I don't know what Tammy has planned but, I'd hate to see Karen skate like this at Worlds as our National Champion and lose a spot in the process.
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- Joined
- Feb 12, 2017
All I have to say is send MIRAI to worlds that's it. There's no other option as Mariah and Karen likely won't even crack top 10 even with pretty good skates. Mirai is more known and appreciated internationally and has shown 2 seasons in a row that she peaks later on in the season. Just send her usfsa
There is such thing as quality over quantity. I.e you may be investing in fewer kids but those kids may then be able to have real hope for their futures. I am not against programs to make skates/and ice time more available to kids. And heck, one could argue in winter in some places all you need is skating. And some public lessons, but I do think its a better investment to invest in kids with talent..
And its better to help the other kids find their niche in other areas.
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2014
But the number of kids who will be able to be competitive figure skaters for a living is so infinitesimal and unlikely, that only looking for those kinds of results from a funding program hurts those kids who might compete regionally and train part time and enable to channel their experience into non-skating aspects of their lives.
The World team should be chosen based on the strength of international results and Nationals performances not just on Nationals performances. Karen or Mariah should be benched in favor of Mirai. Otherwise, barring a minor miracle, we'll only be sending 2 ladies to PyeongChang.
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2013
Petition to send Gracie to Worlds. She is our best lady, she will win Gold if we send her.
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2014
This is a great comment!! What skating did for me, was make me fearless. After you spend time and money freezing your butt off in a cold rink doing a sport that is not exactly popular with your classmates, it made auditioning for shows an absolute breeze. It takes a huge amount of commitment and discipline to become a decent skater. Even if you have the money, it is difficult to see your friends having "Real Lives" Going to parties and football games on the weekends. Becoming Cheer Leaders, or making the Dance Team are all activities that a skater has to give up in order to be a competitive. I remember "Not" getting invited to a party and being told...You're never around and we just assumed you had a competition or some event. This is another reason, I hate seeing skaters cry or get upset after a performance. I know from experience just how much they have already given up just to be there, and I always want to see them smile....
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- Joined
- Mar 3, 2012
Chances are that feeding Gold's fragile psyche with such a move would be rewarded by another performance similar to what she has done the entire season. I'd rather see Mirai go, as she has done more to deserve it.
Still, our team is our team, fair and square. Let the chips fall where they may.
Still, our team is our team, fair and square. Let the chips fall where they may.
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2016
I agree. She needs to be focused on coming back strong next season, not trying to salvage this season.
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2016
I am watching the NBC broadcast of the ladies long program. Mirai did so fantastic, she did that program better than I've seen it all season! I am officially on team send her to the world champions!
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2012
I do think it's sad that fans of U.S. figure skating have to doubt their Worlds team. But it is what it is.
And of course, in the skate of her career, Johnny is still trying to bring her down.
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- Joined
- Feb 21, 2014
Remember what happened at 2016 Worlds when Skate Canada made a last minute (panic) decision to send Nam Nguyen instead of Liam Firus?
Nam finished 27th in the SP and didn't even qualify for the FS.
Nam finished 27th in the SP and didn't even qualify for the FS.
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2003
Are you just a huge fan or are you trolling? She'll win gold? Really?
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2016
I have no idea why Johnny is so negative about her.
It was great right! I'm watching right now! Sadly now I have to watch with Tara and Johnny commentary. Urgh...
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2016
Totally the skate of her life when she needed it. I felt like all season she wasn't performing the program, but she showed such genuine passion, I loved it!
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2014
Me too. It was so nice to see her BIG smile in the Kiss & Cry. It was worth waiting for...Now I'm freaking out waiting for the Men. Win or lose, I want to see Patrick and Nathan skate well. If Hanyu nails his free program and wins the event. More power to him.
I am so proud of Mirai. Especially after her meltdown in the FS at Nationals. Props to Tom for getting Mirai prepared mentally to make this comeback. I know he's not everyone's cup of tea but, I have liked him since I saw Rachael live for the first time back in 2011. It was after the Olympics and I saw him back stage with Rachael and he told to her to remind herself how great she was.....I think it's vital for skaters to remember all things they've had to sacrifice to get where they are and that they "Deserve" to be on that podium as much as any other skater in world.
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